Rachel Posey

National

Summary:
On Monday, September 17, a student was tasered at a John Kerry forum. The student, Andrew Meyer began asking questions during the Q&A time about the 2004 presidential election and if President Bush was in need of impeachment. He was taken by the police but resisted. His resistance was the reason the police tackled him and tasered him. The students at the University of Florida are divided in the opinions on the situation and have created rallies in the efforts of sharing their opinions.

Opinion:
I would say I’m half and half of the opinions of the students. I agree with those who say that it was uncalled for to taser Meyer. He was only trying to ask a question and we have the right to freedom of speech. But I agree also with those who say Meyer might have acted inappropriately in order to grab attention to himself. In this case, the police would not have been able to interpret his actions as only attention grabbing because the police was not well associated with Meyers and his previous antics.

International

Summary:
In Zimbabwe, the people are starving from lack of food. They are reverting to drinking unclean water found in puddles and holes in the ground. Henry Olonga, a exiled cricket player from Zimbabwe, explains that the people of Zimbabwe willingly submit to these conditions and do not stand up for what they need. Olonga believes the people need to change their viewpoints and stand up and fight against the government. In the same instance, Olonga understands what the people would be fighting against and the fear behind that.

Opinion:
I am saddened by the crisis of Zimbabwe. I do not know if there is anything we can do. I agree with Olonga in that the people need to fight against the dictator. If we or other countries go and help feed the people, yes, it would save many from death but the ultimate problem would not be solved. The government needs to be overthrown if it is not taking care of the people’s needs.